Army ROTC Class

MS I Year: Leadership and Personal Development/Introduction to Tactical Leadership

MSL
101 introduces cadets to the personal challenges and competencies that are
critical for effective leadership. Cadets learn how the personal development of
life skills such as critical thinking, goal setting, time management, and
physical and mental fitness (resiliency training) relate to leadership,
officership, and the Army profession. The focus is on developing basic
knowledge and comprehension of Army leadership dimensions while gaining a big
picture understanding of the ROTC program, its purpose in the Army, and its advantages
for the student.

MSL
102 overviews leadership fundamentals such as setting direction,
problem-solving, listening, presenting briefs, providing feedback, and using
effective writing skills. Cadets explore dimensions of leadership attributes
and core leader competencies in the context of practical, hands-on, and
interactive exercises. Continued emphasis is placed on recruitment and
retention of cadets. Cadre role models and the building of stronger
relationships among the cadets through common experience and practical
interaction are critical aspects of the MSL 102 experience.

MSL
201 explores the dimensions of creative and innovative tactical leadership
strategies and styles by examining team dynamics and two historical leadership
theories that form the basis of the Army leadership requirements model. Cadets
practice aspects of personal motivation and team building in the context of
planning, executing, and assessing team exercises and participating in
leadership labs. Focus is on continued development of the knowledge of
leadership attributes and core leader competencies through an understanding of
Army rank, structure, duties and basic aspects of land navigation and squad
tactics. Case studies provide tangible context for learning the Soldier’s Creed
and Warrior Ethos as they apply in the operational environment (OE).

MSL
202 examines the challenges of leading tactical teams in the OE. The course
highlights dimensions of terrain analysis, patrolling, and operation orders.
Further study of the theoretical basis of the Army leadership requirements
model explores the dynamics of adaptive leadership in the context of military
operations. MSL 202 provides a smooth transition into MSL 301. Cadets develop
greater self-awareness as they assess their own leadership styles and practice
communication and team building skills. OE case studies give insight into the
importance and practice of teamwork and tactics in real-world scenarios.

MS III Year: Adaptive Team Leadership/Applied Team Leadership

MSL
301 challenges cadets to study, practice, and evaluate adaptive leadership
skills as they are presented with challenging scenarios related to squad
tactical operations. Cadets receive systematic and specific feedback on their
leadership attributes and core leader competencies. Based on such feedback, as
well as their own self-evaluations, cadets continue to develop their leadership
and critical thinking abilities. The focus is developing cadets’ tactical
leadership abilities to enable them to succeed at ROTC’s summer Leadership
Development and Assessment Course (LDAC).

MSL
302 uses increasingly intense situational leadership challenges to build cadet
awareness and skills in leading small units. Skills in decision-making,
persuading and motivating team members when ―under fire‖ are explored,
evaluated, and developed. Aspects of military operations are reviewed as a
means of preparing for the ROTC Leader Development and Assessment Course
(LDAC). Cadets are expected to apply basic principles of the Law of Land
Warfare, Army training, and motivation to troop leading procedures. Emphasis is
also placed on conducting military briefings and developing proficiency in
Garrison operation orders. MSL 302 cadets are evaluated on what they know and
do as leaders. Cadet objectives for MSL 302 include the following:

MS IV Year: Adaptive Leadership/Leadership in a Complex World

MSL
401 transitions the focus of student learning from being trained, mentored and
evaluated as an MSL III Cadet to learning how to train, mentor and evaluate
underclass Cadets. MSL IV Cadets learn the duties and responsibilities of an
Army staff officer and apply the Military Decision Making Process, Army Writing
Style, and the Army’s Training Management and METL Development processes during
weekly Training Meetings to plan, execute and assess battalion training events.
Cadets learn to safely conduct training by understanding and employing the
Composite Risk Management Process. Cadets learn how to use the Comprehensive
Soldier Fitness (CSF) program to reduce and manage stress.

MSL
402 explores the dynamics of leading in the complex situations of current
military operations in the OE. Cadets examine differences in customs and
courtesies, military law, principles of war, and rules of engagement in the
face of international terrorism. They also explore aspects of interacting with
nongovernmental organizations, civilians on the battlefield, and host nation
support. The course places significant emphasis on preparing cadets for their
first unit of assignment. It uses case studies, scenarios, and ―What Now,
Lieutenant?‖ exercises to prepare cadets to face the complex ethical and
practical demands of leading as commissioned officers in the United States
Army.

Physical Training (PT)

Physical Training is conducted
weekly on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 0545-0700. Cadets will conduct
accountability formations at 0555 in Parking Lot 5, next to the tennis court
and athletic fields, prior to beginning of each physical training session.
Uniform for physical training is Improved Physical Fitness Uniform (IPFU).
During physical training sessions cadets will be led by experienced UNF cadre
members and upperclassmen to include exercises from FM 7-22, Army Physical
Readiness Training, and other exercises. A typical physical fitness session ranges
from push-ups, sit-ups, and running to ultimate football, soccer, and beach
runs.

Currently the United States Army
conducts the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) which includes 2 minutes of
pushups, 2 minutes of sit-ups, and a 2 mile run. Students looking to join ROTC
should begin a physical fitness regimen prior to enrollment to enable meeting
the Army physical fitness standards.

Leadership Lab

Leadership Labs are conducted weekly
on Tuesday from 1400-1600. Leadership lab is where cadets receive hands on
training and apply what they have been taught in their ROTC classes. During
leadership labs cadets will participate in Squad Tactical Exercises (STX),
First Aid, Land Navigation, Drill and Ceremony and Individual Movement
Techniques. Uniform for Leadership Labs is ACU, but individual equipment needs
change on a weekly basis.

Field Training Exercise (FTX)

UNF Army ROTC currently conducts one
Field Training Exercise per semester and is typically conducted at Camp
Blanding located in Starke, Florida. Field Training Exercises are conducted
over a weekend and allow cadets to put all of their training for the semester
to practical use. MS III cadets are evaluated on the leadership skill while
leading their assigned squad through a variety of training. During Field
Training Exercises cadets conduct task training, Squad Tactical Exercises,
patrolling, patrol bases and land navigation.